Tulips and Roses

Chapter 3, a second visit

Lisa laughed when she found out Jisoo was coming, she also laughed in the car on the way to the florist. Hungover and completely annoyed, Jisoo shoved Lisa's cap over her eyes, looking over to the driver who was not paying them any attention. Sadly, the actions only seemed to make Lisa laugh harder.

Eventually, they arrive at the florist, rushing out of the car and into the building. Once again Jisoo wonders why she did not bring Jennie, she would have been perfect for this. It would also give her more experience talking to companies, something that she needed to work on.

Lisa glanced around the shop, "She got new stock."

Jisoo nodded her head in agreement. Some how, with under twelve hours between the visit, Rosie had managed to change one of her sections. The flowers shone in the morning light, much to Jisoo's dismay. She found it hard to appreciate them with a headache.

Lisa, who seemed to be immune to alcohol, bounced around the store, looking at lilies and sunflowers. Jisoo, sulked into a dark corner, trying to hide from the light.

Soon, the florist made her appearance from behind the counter. She was by far more awake than Jisoo, but had nothing on Lisa's energy. As Jisoo was about to head over, Lisa hopped up from the stand she was observing and rushed over to greet the owner.

"Hi! My name is Lisa, I'm sure you remember me," The girl beamed.

"Yes, your friend was trying to arrange an appointment?" She knitted her hands together.

"Yup," Lisa ushered Jisoo over, "We are having a galla next month and we need someone to provide flower arrangements so it looks nice and pretty. You're good, and you're local. Please say yes," she took out her cheque book, "I can pay you right now for the time you're gonna spend on this, then another payment after the event."

The galla? Jisoo wondered, this should have been arranged by now...

Overwhelmed, Rosie struggles for a response, "Well, how big is the venue."

Lisa glances at Jisoo, begging for help. Jisoo rubbed her eyes, trying not to snap at her friend's procrastination, then explained, "It's Summer Hall. We need an arrangement for every window, door and table."

Rosie's eyes widen, "Summer Hall? How many-"

"About one hundred and six arranements," Jisoo interrupted, "It will need to be completely prepared a week before hand and put up the night before, leaving you three weeks."

The florist took a moment, composing herself. She looks back at Lisa, apologetic, "This is an amazing offer, but I don't have the money, the time, or the man power for something like this."

Lisa looked deflated, "If you say so."

Jisoo glanced between the two sad girls then sighed, "Lisa, wait outside."

The dancer nods her head and went to go sit in the car. Rosie looked nervous, her eyes fixed to the table.

Jisoo places her hand into the florist's line of vision, "Look at me," Rosie looked up, "I'll arrange people to work for you, cover the transport and shipments. All you have to do is design and produce what I want you to, and oversee the project."

Rosie tried to look more professional, "What if I have any questions?"

Jisoo leaned onto the table, "I'll set up contact between you and my assistant, she'll make sure everything runs smoothly."

For a second, Jisoo thought she would agree, looking into her eyes, seeing a glimmer of hope. Instead, Rosie shook her head, moving away from the table, "No, I won't talk to an assistant. If you want this, you, or Lisa, will talk to me directly."

Jisoo felt her hangover return, "I have a business to run-"

"And yet you came here today! Why not come again to discuss this? Or I can come to you?"

Jisoo closed her eyes, "I can have your pay doubled- tripled."

"This isn't about the pay! This is about the service. This is for you not your assistant, act like it." Jisoo felt someone grab her shoulder and turn her. Surprised, she opened her eyes to see Rosie, no longer nervous, "I refuse, refuse to be your corporate pet, you either work with me or you find a new florist."

Jisoo stared at her, knowing how disappointed Lisa would be if she did not secure this. Refusing to be intimidated, she grabs onto Rosie's arm and pulls her closer, inches apart, "You are going to cancel your appointments, your projects and any other plans. You are going to close this shop and spend the rest of the day designing my arrangement. Then, you are going to come to my office at eleven o' clock tomorrow morning for your appointment with me. Any complaints?"

"None," She smiled.

Jisoo let go of her arm and walked out of the store. Entering the car, she took a breathe she did not realise she was holding.

Lisa turned her head to face her, "So?"

Jisoo looked back at the shop, seeing Rosie look back at her, "You got your florist."